Wood tracking by identification of surface characteristics

Abstract

A “woodprint™” characterization and identification technique unique employs cameras (16), lighting (14), camera interface hardware (18), a computer (20), and/or image processing software to collect and analyze surface characteristics of pieces of wood (8) to track them through an automated production process in real-time with information that is specific to each wood piece (8), such as what machining is required, its value, and/or its destination. When a wood piece (8) reaches a point in the production process where a decision is required, its unique identity is used to retrieve appropriate information previously determined and assigned to the wood piece (8).

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This patent application derives priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 489,862, filed Jul. 24, 2003.COPYRIGHT NOTICE [0002]© 2004 Lucidyne Technologies, Inc. A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR § 1.71 (d). TECHNICAL FIELD [0003] The present invention relates generally to lumber or board tracking and, more particularly, to using unique surface characteristics (“woodprints”) for identifying individual pieces of wood and tracking them through an automated production process with real-time information specific to the pieces or wood such that when a board or other piece of wood reaches a machining operation or decision...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The printing and reading processes are preferably performed at high speeds and may be physically difficult to reliably achieve because of the dynamic nature of the boards themselves.

A twisted board, or one with bark or some other defect in the print zone, can also be difficult to reliably mark and identify.

Another problem with conventional board tracking devices is that printing systems contain print media, such as ink or paint, and moving parts that contribute to decreasing reliability.

Most require compressed air, are adversely affected by temperature extremes, and are very sensitive to variations in the ink or paint quality.

The required maintenance can cost thousands of dollars annually beyond the cost of repl

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